A crane boom segment is provided for assembly of a crane boom by interconnection of multiple crane boom segments from a transport configuration to an operational configuration. The crane boom segment includes a first and second planar latticed truss, each with two chords between which permanent lacing elements extend. Both chords of each planar latticed truss include segment connection parts at their head ends allowing crane boom segments to be connected to each other in series, and in the operational configuration the first and second planar latticed trusses are provided at opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the crane boom segment. A crane boom segment further includes a first and second lattice web, each lattice web connectable to one of the chords of the first planar latticed truss and one of the chords of the second planar latticed truss. A modular crane includes a travelling base frame which allows for travel of said crane over a surface, and a crane boom assembled from crane boom segments, one end of the crane boom being hingedly connected about a substantially horizontal pivot axis to said travelling base frame.
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1. A crane boom segment for assembly of a crane boom by interconnection of multiple crane boom segments from a transport configuration to an operational configuration, wherein the crane boom segment has a substantially rectangular cross section and a longitudinal axis, the crane boom segment comprising:
a first and second planar latticed truss, each with two chords between which permanent lacing elements extend, wherein both chords of each planar latticed truss comprise segment connection parts at head ends thereof, allowing crane boom segments to be connected to each other in series, and wherein in the operational configuration the first and second planar latticed trusses are provided at opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the crane boom segment; and
a first and second lattice web, each lattice web connectable to one of the chords of the first planar latticed truss and one of the chords of the second planar latticed truss,
wherein the first and second lattice webs are accordion-type lattice webs, each composed of multiple straight elements that are pivotably interconnected in series by hinges each having a pivot axis,
wherein in the folded transport configuration the straight elements are essentially parallel to each other, and in the operational configuration the interconnected straight elements have been pivoted open to form V-shaped pairs of straight elements,
wherein the hinges each comprise a fastener member and the chords are provided with complementary fastener members to allow the accordion-type lattice web in the operational configuration connected to the chords,
wherein the chords of a planar latticed truss are each provided with one of said complementary fastener members at ends thereof, and with multiple intermediate complementary fastener members between said end complementary fastener members, all intermediate complementary fastener members and one of the end complementary fastener members having the same mutual distance, and the distance between the other end complementary fastener member and an adjacent intermediate complementary fastener member being half that distance, and
wherein at the end of a planar lattice truss one chord ends with the mutual distance between the end complementary fastener member and the adjacent intermediate complementary fastener member being half that distance, and the other chord ends with the mutual distance between the end complementary fastener member and the adjacent intermediate complementary fastener member being the distance.
5. A method of constructing a crane boom by interconnecting multiple crane boom segments, each crane boom segment comprising:
a first and second planar latticed truss, each with two chords between which permanent lacing elements extend, wherein both chords of each planar latticed truss comprise segment connection parts at head ends thereof, allowing crane boom segments to be connected to each other in series, and wherein in the operational configuration the first and second planar latticed trusses are provided at opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the crane boom segment; and
a first and second lattice web, each lattice web connectable to one of the chords of the first planar latticed truss and one of the chords of the second planar latticed truss,
wherein the first and second lattice webs are accordion-type lattice webs, each composed of multiple straight elements that are pivotably interconnected in series by hinges each having a pivot axis,
wherein in the folded transport configuration the straight elements are essentially parallel to each other, and in the operational configuration the interconnected straight elements have been pivoted open to form V-shaped pairs of straight elements,
wherein the hinges each comprise a fastener member and the chords are provided with complementary fastener members to allow the accordion-type lattice web in the operational configuration connected to the chords, and allow the accordion-type lattice web in the transport configuration to be disconnected from the chords,
wherein the chords of a planar latticed truss are each provided with one of said complementary fastener members at ends thereof, and with multiple intermediate complementary fastener members between said end complementary fastener members, all intermediate complementary fastener members and one of the end complementary fastener members having the same mutual distance, and the distance between the other end complementary fastener member and an adjacent intermediate complementary fastener member being half that distance,
wherein at the end of a planar lattice truss one chord ends with the mutual distance between the end complementary fastener member and the adjacent intermediate complementary fastener member being half that distance, and the other chord ends with the mutual distance between the end complementary fastener member and the adjacent intermediate complementary fastener member being the distance,
wherein the first and second planar latticed trusses are transportable independently of the collapsed, folded-in accordion-type lattice webs, and
wherein the method comprises the steps of:
pivoting the interconnected straight elements of both accordion-type lattice webs open from the transport configuration to the operation configuration to form V-shaped pairs of straight elements;
connecting the fastener members of the hinges of the accordion-type lattice webs to the complementary fastener members of the chords of the first and second planar latticed trusses to form a crane boom segment; and
interconnecting crane boom segments in series by connecting the segment connection parts at the head ends of the chords.
2. The crane boom segment according to
3. The crane boom segment according to
4. A modular crane, comprising:
a travelling base frame which allows for travel of said crane over a surface; and
a crane boom assembled from crane boom segments according to
wherein one end of the crane boom is hingedly connected about a substantially horizontal pivot axis to said travelling base frame.
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The present invention relates generally to the field of load-lifting cranes, and more particularly to crane boom segments for assembly of a crane boom by interconnection of multiple crane boom segments from a transport configuration to an operational configuration. Crane booms are typically comprised of individual crane boom segments connected end-to-end. The boom segments are usually formed in specific lengths, e.g., 10, 20, 40 ft. Thus, the length of a crane boom can be tailored to fit each individual lift.
A crane boom segment has a substantially rectangular cross section and a longitudinal axis. In general, crane boom segments are known, comprising:
In the operational configuration, the lattice webs extend between opposed chords of the planar latticed trusses.
It is well known that greater strengths are required of the crane boom when greater loads are to be lifted. The strength of a crane boom is a dependent on the distance of the planar latticed trusses and the lattice webs from the longitudinal axis of the boom segment.
One method of increasing the strength of a boom without significantly increasing the amount of material used in the boom segments (and hence the weight of the boom) is to space the planar latticed trusses and/or the lattice webs further from the longitudinal axis of the boom segment. This, however, increases the overall width and/or height of the boom segment. Transportability problems arise with crane boom segments of large dimension. If any of the dimensions is too large, the crane boom segments cannot be transported in containers, along highways, railways and the like due to size restrictions. Thus, difficulties arise in moving crane booms of large dimensions to job sites.
A possible approach to overcome this problem consists of transporting the individual parts of each crane boom segment to the specific jobsite and constructing the crane boom segments on-site. To produce the numerous required connections of the structural elements on-site is a time-consuming and labor-intensive construction, and has an increased chance that errors in assembly are made.
It is an object of the first and second aspect present invention to create crane boom segments with the features described herein, wherein the transportability problem of crane boom segments is solved without the need for difficult and time-consuming construction of individual crane boom segments on the job site.
According to the first aspect of the invention, a crane boom segment is provided wherein the first and second lattice webs are accordion-type lattice webs, each composed of multiple straight elements that are pivotably interconnected in series by hinges each having a pivot axis, wherein in the folded transport configuration the straight elements are essentially parallel to each other, and in the operational configuration the interconnected straight elements have been pivoted open to form V-shaped pairs of straight elements, and wherein the hinges each comprise a fastener member and the chords are provided with complementary fastener members to allow the accordion-type lattice web in the operational configuration connected to the chords.
This configuration is highly advantageous in view of transportation, as the planar latticed trusses can be stacked in order to be transported, as well as the collapsed, folded-in accordion-type lattice webs. E.g., transport containers are provided, suitable to stack planar latticed trusses, while other containers transport multiple folded-in accordion-type lattice webs. This allows a compact transport configuration of the crane boom segments, while the large dimensions of the crane boom segment in the operational position are possible.
Another advantage of the connection of the lattice web to the chords of the planar latticed trusses on-site is that a variety of lattice webs and/or planar latticed trusses having deviating strength and weight properties may be available, introducing a design flexibility with crane boom segments having on-demand properties.
The invention also relates to a crane boom segment for assembly of a crane boom by interconnection of multiple crane boom segments from a transport configuration to an operational configuration wherein the crane boom segment has a substantially rectangular cross section and a longitudinal axis, the crane boom segment comprising:
Preferably, also the first and second lattice webs are accordion-type lattice webs, each composed of multiple straight elements that are pivotably interconnected in series by hinges each having a pivot axis, wherein in the folded transport configuration the straight elements are essentially parallel to each other, and in the operational configuration the interconnected straight elements have been pivoted open to form V-shaped pairs of straight elements, and in that the hinges each comprise a fastener member and the chords are provided with complementary fastener members to allow the accordion-type lattice web in the operational configuration connected to the chords.
By providing both the lattice webs and the latticed trusses as accordion-type webs and trusses, a very compact transport configuration is possible.
The invention also relates to a method of constructing a crane boom by interconnecting multiple crane boom segments, each crane boom segment comprising:
Advantageously, the interconnected straight elements are opened to the operational configuration by a forklift or the like. Advantageously, a spreader beam is available that can lift one or both lattice webs in the operational configuration and position the lattice web(s) on the first planar latticed truss, allowing the lattice webs to be connected to the first planar latticed truss. Once both lattice webs are connected to the first planar latticed truss, the spreader beam may be used to position the second planar latticed truss above the lattice webs, allowing the lattice webs to be connected to the second planar latticed truss.
According to the second aspect of the invention, a crane boom segment is provided for assembly of a crane boom by interconnection of multiple crane boom segments from a transport configuration to an operational configuration wherein the crane boom segment has a substantially rectangular cross section and a longitudinal axis, the crane boom segment comprising:
This advantageous configuration allows the crane boom segment to be folded together, by allowing the central hinges of a lattice web to move away from the plane of the lattice web in the operational configuration, towards the opposed latticed web, and vice versa, in an operation similar to a collapsible folding plastic crate, used for groceries and/or storage.
It is unique to the invention that the central hinges of the first and second lattice webs are offset. This allows an operational configuration wherein the height of the first and second lattice webs exceeds the width of the first and second planar latticed trusses, hence, wherein the distance of the planar latticed trusses from the longitudinal axis of the boom segment are larger than the distance of the lattice webs from the longitudinal axis of the boom segment. This results in advantageous properties of the crane boom, in particular in view of its strength. Because the central hinges of the first and second lattice webs are offset, the straight rods of the first lattice web and the straight rods of the second lattice web are allowed to nest into each other and provide an efficiently stacked configuration with the planar latticed trusses on the outside, and the straight rods of the lattice webs efficiently folded together therebetween.
The invention also relates to crane boom segments for assembly of a crane boom by interconnection of multiple crane boom segments from a transport configuration to an operational configuration wherein the crane boom segment has a substantially rectangular cross section and a longitudinal axis, the crane boom segment comprising:
In this embodiment, in the operational configuration the height of the first and second lattice webs and the width of the first and second planar latticed trusses can be similar, or one exceeding the other as desired.
Hence, crane boom segments embodied according to the first or second aspect of the invention are composed of prefabricated planar latticed trusses and lattice webs, having overall dimensions in the operational configuration which are advantageous in view of the strength of the crane boom, preferably wherein the height of the first and second lattice webs exceeds the width of the first and second planar latticed trusses. The crane boom segments embodied according to the first or second aspect of the invention are transfigurable between the operational configuration and a transport configuration, wherein the crane lattice webs are folded to reduce the overall dimension of the crane boom segment, preferably to the maximum allowable shipping dimensions, allowing the crane boom segments to be transported.
Another object of the present invention is to increase the design flexibility with crane boom segments. This is achieved according to a third aspect of the invention by the provision of crane boom segments, the strength of which being adjustable strength.
Crane boom segments for assembly of a crane boom are known, in particular by interconnection of multiple crane boom segments from a transport configuration to an operational configuration wherein the crane boom segment has a substantially rectangular cross section and a longitudinal axis. Such a known crane boom segment comprises a first and second planar latticed truss, each with two chords between which permanent lacing elements extend; wherein both chords of each planar latticed truss comprise segment connection parts at their head ends allowing crane boom segments to be connected to each other in series; wherein in the operational configuration the first and second planar latticed trusses are provided at opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the crane boom segment; and a first and second lattice web, each lattice web connectable to one of the chords of the first planar latticed truss and one of the chords of the second planar latticed truss.
Advantageously, but not necessarily, the lattice webs are embodied according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
According to the third aspect of the invention, a crane boom segment further comprises at least a third planar latticed truss, wherein each of the chords of the first planar latticed truss and each of the chords of the third planar latticed truss are provided with mating chord fastener members, and wherein in the operation configuration the third planar latticed truss is connected directly onto of the first planar latticed truss by providing a connection between the chord fastener members.
This is in particular advantageous when modular designs are envisaged, in particular scalable designs. In usage-optimized configurations the segments can be assembled into a ‘normal’ crane configuration, but connecting a larger number of segments together enables large or even very large crane configurations. By providing a crane boom segment having an adjustable strength, the capacity of a boom made from crane boom segments can be adjusted.
As such, the capacity of the boom, in particular in view of the strength of the boom, increases by providing an extra planar latticed truss onto of the planar lattice truss of the boom segment, forming a stack of two planar latticed trusses.
Possibly, a crane boom segment further comprises a fourth planar latticed truss, wherein each of the chords of the second planar latticed truss and each of the chords of the fourth planar latticed truss are provided with mating chord fastener members, and wherein in the operation configuration the fourth planar latticed truss is connected directly onto of the second planar latticed truss by providing a connection between the chord fastener members. As such, additional planar latticed trusses are provided on both planar lattice trusses that are present, hence, a crane boom segment is provided with two double-fitted planar latticed trusses.
In an embodiment, the mating chord fastener members are embodied as pin-receiving holes provided in the chord, and lugs, protruding from the chords, which are aligned with each other in the operational configuration and adapted to receive a pin to allow the chords to be interconnected. Alternative mating chord fastener members, e.g. including bolts and nuts are also conceivable. Preferably, the mating chord fastener members on a planar latticed truss allow the planar latticed truss to lay down onto these mating chord fastener members, in particular in view of the transportability of the planar latticed trusses. In an embodiment, the mating chord fastener members comprise lugs each having a flattened outer surface allowing the planar latticed truss to lay down onto.
Advantageously, a crane boom segment according to the first, second and/or third aspect of the present invention can be used in a large modular crane, allowing extremely high loads can be lifted to large altitudes. With the invention, a crane structure may be quickly erected with a minimum of on-site personnel. Advantageously, the crane boom segments are easily transportable and allow a high degree of portability in terms of compactness and light weight, as the crane boom segments are adapted to be collapsed to compact transport configuration for transport, e.g. shipment and then expanded on-site to the operational configuration for erection and connection to similarly configured crane boom segments.
Preferably, but not necessarily, in the transport configuration the dimensions of the planar latticed trusses and the latticed webs part do not exceed those of a transport container, e.g. a ISO freight container, in particular having a height of not more than 12 feet 11 inches and a width of not more than 9 feet 5 inches. The lengths of such a container may vary from 8 to 56 feet (2.438 to 17.069 m).
Advantageously, a crane boom segments according to the first, second and third aspect of the invention comprise identical first, second and further planar latticed trusses, and it is even more advantageous if also the first and second lattice webs are embodied identical. This allows a modular design, in particular a scalable design. Further, this reduction of the number of different components of a crane boom segment is highly advantageous on-site during assembly as it prevents confusion and errors. On the other hand, it is also conceivable that different types of planar latticed trusses are available, having different strength properties.
In an advantageous embodiment, usage-optimized configurations are possible with the crane boom segments: the segments can be assembled into a ‘normal’ crane configuration, but connecting a larger number of segments together enables a large or even a very large crane configurations. Preferably, crane booms can be assembled for cranes rating from 50.000 to 240.000 tonne-meters and from 1200 to 4800 tonnes capacity. Advantageously, not only crane booms and crane jibs are suitable for usage-optimized configurations, but also other crane parts such as ring parts, winches and more are transferrable from one size crane to another. Adding more of the same parts together allow larger cranes to be built. Hence, when the largest crane is purchased, one can also build smaller cranes.
The present invention also relates to a crane boom, assembled from crane boom segments according to the first, second and or third aspect of the invention.
The invention further relates to a modular crane, wherein crane boom segments according to the first, second and/or third aspect of the invention are assembled into a crane boom of the modular crane, the modular crane comprising:
Such a modular crane is e.g. a crawler crane, mounted on an undercarriage with a set of tracks. Alternatively, the crane boom segments can also advantageously be used in so-called ring-based cranes, which usually have a large boom or a double-boom system (arranged in parallel or in the shape of an “A”), which are supported on the ground by way of a circular track. Both crawler cranes and ring-based cranes comprise a revolving superstructure which is mounted on a base, to which superstructure at least a boom and preferably also a backmast is hingedly mounted. The ‘base’ in this context may thus be a carriage in the case of a crawler crane, but can alternatively be a vessel or a quay, or on land.
A crane boom assembled from crane boom segments according to the invention is preferably provided with a hoist departing sheave, allowing a hoist cable of a load hoisting device to extend over the hoist departing sheave to hoist a load.
Possible applications for cranes comprising a crane booms according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention include petrochemical plant vessel installation, power plant construction and module construction for the offshore industry.
Preferably, a crane boom segment according to any aspect of the invention is made from high tensile steel, e.g. 960 MPa, to save weight.
All aspects of the invention are described as ‘crane boom segments for assembly of a crane boom’. It is noted that a similar configuration of planar latticed trusses and lattice webs according to one or more aspects of the invention may be applied for the assembly of other crane parts, such as a jib or back mast. Hence, where the disclosure indicates ‘crane boom segments’, this also relates to ‘crane jib segments’, ‘crane back mast segments’, etc. etc.
A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a modular crane, comprising
In known modular cranes, the hoisting winches are usually mounted on top of the base frame. The aim of the fourth aspect of the invention is to further improve the crane design, to improve transportability of the modular crane.
This is achieved according to the fourth aspect of the invention in that the main hoisting winch is mounted within a hoist winch frame, the hoist winch frame being embodied as a shipping container comprising connectors at the corners thereof, allowing the hoist winch frame to be assembled into at least one of the girders of the base frame to be integrated in and form part of the base frame.
This modular crane design is advantageous as the incorporation of the winches as part of the base frame and not being present as separate elements added to dispense with unnecessary extra weight of additional structure of the girders.
Preferably, the crane boom segments are according to one or more of the other aspects of the invention.
Preferably, the base frame comprises two parallel main girders to which the crane boom segments and the backmast are connected, and one or more cross-girders provided therebetween, parallel to the aligned horizontal pivot axes of the crane boom segments. Advantageously, the hoist winch frame is adapted to be assembled into a cross-girder. This is advantageous as the hoist winch is parallel to the horizontal pivot axis of the boom sections, and the location enables unhindered use of the main hoist winch.
The invention will be further described in relation to the drawings, in which:
In
A revolving superstructure 3 is mounted on said base structure 2, so that the superstructure 3 can rotate about a vertical revolving axis A with respect to the base structure 2.
The crane 1 further has a boom 4 and a backmast 5. One end 4e of the boom is hinged to the superstructure 3 so that the boom 4 pivots about horizontal pivot axis 6. The backmast 5 is also hinged to the superstructure 3 about a horizontal pivot axis 7. Furthermore a fly jib arrangement 8 is provided, including jib 8a and stay beams 8b, 8c which are all pivotably connected to the top of the boom 4.
Possibly, the boom 4 has an A-frame design, with two elongated boom sections separately connected to the superstructure and merging towards each other near the top of the boom 4. Possibly, the backmast 5 has an inverted Y-frame design with two lower backmast sections pivoted to the superstructure 3 and merging into a single section.
In the shown embodiment of the crane 1 the boom 4, the backmast 5, the jib 8a and stay beams 8b, 8c are composed of segments to allow for easy transport of the entire crane from one construction site to the next. In particular various crane boom segments 4a and backmast segments 5a are indicated. Preferably, some or all of the segments are embodied as crane boom segments according to the present invention.
A main load hoisting device is associated with the boom 4 for hoisting a load. In
Furthermore, in the embodiment of
The crane 1 further has a superlift ballast 16 and an associated connection 17 serving to connect said superlift ballast 16 to the backmast 5 while the superlift ballast 16 is resting on the surface 9 (as in
In this crane 1 of
In
Crane boom segment 20 as shown in
The components of crane boom segment 20 are shown in detail in
The crane boom segment 20 further comprises a first lattice web 23 and a second lattice web 24. In the shown operational configuration first lattice web 23 is connected to chord 21a of the first planar latticed truss 21 and chord 22a of the second planar latticed truss 22, and second lattice web 24 is connected to chord 21b of the first planar latticed truss 21 and chord 22b of the second planar latticed truss 22.
In
The first and second lattice webs 23, 24, shown in
In an embodiment, the hinges are configured such that they prohibit the straight elements from pivoting open further than in the operational configuration. This is advantageous during installation: on location, the folded-in accordion-type lattice webs need to be unfolded, and subsequently connected to the chords. In view of the dimensions and weight of the lattice webs this unfolding is in practice frequently carried out by a forklift or the like. It is advantageous to configure the hinges such that they prohibit the straight elements from pivoting open further than in the operational configuration, as a result of which the unfolding operation automatically results in a correct degree of folding out.
As indicated above, the crane boom segment 50 shown in
It is not shown, but likewise conceivable that the crane boom segments are tapering in two dimensions, hence, not only the first and second lattice webs being tapering as shown in
The hinges 23a, 23b comprise a horizontal pivot axis A, indicated for two hinges in
In
Both chords 121, 122 comprise segment connection parts 124 at their head ends, allowing crane boom segments to be connected to each other in series. In the shown embodiment, the connection parts 124 are embodied as a set of plates 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, protruding at the head ends in the longitudinal direction of the chords, which are each provided with bores which are provided such that they define a connection axis O, perpendicular to the chords, in the plane of the planar latticed truss. In these bores a connection pin can be received for providing the connection between the crane boom segments. In the shown embodiment, the set of plates 124a, 124b, at one head end of a chord is offset in the direction of the connection axis O, allowing the bores of a crane boom segment to line up with the bores in the set of plates 124c, 124d, of an adjacent crane boom segment to be connected to these.
The planar latticed truss 120 is suitable to be used in a crane boom segment according to the first embodiment of the present invention. To this end, the chords 121, 122 are provided with complementary fastener members 125, allowing fastener members of the hinges of an accordion-type lattice web to be connected to the chords 121, 122.
In the shown embodiment, the complementary fastener members 125 are embodied as pin-receiving holes provided in the plates 121a, 121b of a chord. In the shown embodiment, as is preferred, each of the chords 121, 122 of a planar latticed truss is provided with end complementary fastener members 125e at their ends and with multiple intermediate complementary fastener members 125i between said end complementary fastener members 125e, all intermediate complementary fastener members and one of the end complementary fastener members having the same mutual distance d, and the distance between the other end complementary fastener member and an adjacent intermediate complementary fastener member being half that distance ½ d, and wherein at the end of a planar lattice truss one chord ends with the mutual distance between the end complementary fastener member and the adjacent intermediate complementary fastener member being half that distance ½ d, and the other chord ends with the mutual distance between the end complementary fastener member and the adjacent intermediate complementary fastener member being the distance d. An effect of this configuration of complementary fastener members is that both planar latticed trusses of a crane boom segment can be embodied identically while allowing the connection of identical first and second lattice webs. This reduction of the number of different components of a crane boom segment is highly advantageous on-site during assembly.
In the shown embodiment, the complementary fastener members 125 on a chord are provided at a distance from the portion of the chord from which the permanent lacing elements 123 extend. This is advantageous for the strength of the boom segment.
It is noted here that the planar latticed truss 120 is also suitable to be used in a crane boom segment according to the third embodiment of the present invention. To this end, the chords 121, 122 are provided with mating chord fastener members 125, 126, to connect another planar latticed truss directly onto of the planar latticed truss 120 by providing a connection between the chord fastener members 125, 126.
In the shown embodiment, the members 125 can thus advantageously be used as complementary fastener members 125, allowing fastener members of the hinges of an accordion-type lattice web to be connected to the chords 121, 122, according to the first aspect of the invention, and alternatively, the same members 125 can be used as chord fastener members 125 to connect another planar latticed truss directly onto of the planar latticed truss 120 by providing a connection between the chord fastener members 125, 126.
Mating chord fastener members 126 (according to the third aspect of the invention) are provided as lugs, protruding from the chords 121, 122, opposite to the chord fastener members 125 with respect to the plane of the planar lattice truss 120. Hence, the mating chord fastener members are also provided at the ends of the chords and between the ends, similar to the configuration of the complementary fastener members according to a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The lugs 126 comprise an opening which is adapted to align with the pin-receiving holes of the chord fastener members 125 in the operation configuration, when another planar latticed truss is connected directly onto of the planar latticed truss 120, allowing a pin to provide a connection between the mating chord fastener members 125, 126.
The operational configuration of a crane boom segment 40 according to a third aspect of the invention is shown in
Each planar latticed truss is embodied as the planar latticed truss 120 shown in detail in
Members on the chords 41a, 41b, 44a, 44b, which are similar to members 125 as shown in
According to the third aspect of the invention, the crane boom segment comprises a third planar latticed truss 43 and, as is preferred, also a fourth planar latticed truss 44. Each of the chords 41a, 41b of the first planar latticed truss 41 and each of the chords 43a, 43b of the third planar latticed truss 43; and each of the chords 42a, 42b of the second planar latticed truss 42 and each of the chords 44a, 44b of the fourth planar latticed truss 44 are provided with mating chord fastener members 125, 126. In the shown operational configuration the third planar lattice truss 43 is connected directly onto of the first planar latticed truss 41 by providing a connection between the mating chord fastener members. In the shown embodiment, the connection is provided by connection pins 48 provided in the mating chord fastener members, which are embodied as pin-receiving holes 125 provided in the plates of a chord, as shown in
In
In
The crane boom segment 80 comprises a first planar latticed truss 81 and a second planar latticed truss 82. Each truss comprises two chords 81a, 81b and 82a, 82b, between which permanent lacing elements 81c, 82c extend. All chords 81a, 81b, 82a, 82b comprise segment connection parts 84 at their head ends, allowing crane boom segments to be connected to each other in series. The segment connection parts 84 are embodied similar to the connection parts 124 shown in
Crane boom segment 80 further comprises a first and second lattice web 83, 85, which are connected to the chords both in the operational configuration of
According to the second aspect of the present invention, each of the lattice webs 83, 85 is composed of multiple straight rods 83a, 83b, 85a, 85b forming triangular units. Each straight rod is pivotably connected at one end via a chord hinge to a chord about a pivot axis parallel to the chord. In particular,
It is noted that the chord hinge may be embodied such that a single straight rod is connected to it, such as the chord hinges at the end of some of the chords of the embodiment shown in
According to the second aspect of the invention, the other end of the straight rods is pivotably connected to another straight rod via a central hinge about a parallel pivot axis. In particular,
The central hinges 83c, 85c of the first and second lattice webs are offset, allowing the central hinges of a lattice web to move away from the plane of that lattice web in the operational configuration, to be folded to a transport configuration whereby the straight rods of the first lattice web and the straight rods of the second lattice web nest into each other.
This configuration of the lattice webs 83, 85 allows the lattice web to be foldable from the operational configuration shown in
In the shown embodiment, as is advantageous, the central hinges 83c, 85c are provided with locking members to be able to lock the lattice webs in the operational configuration. In
In the embodiment shown in
In
Modular crane 90 is embodied as a ring lift crane comprising a travelling base frame 95 which allows for travel of said crane 90 over a surface. Travelling may involve a rotation, translation or a combination thereof. In the shown embodiment, the travelling base frame is provided with bogies 95a, adapted to travel over a ring 96 mounted on a floor 97, allowing the base frame 95 to rotate. Alternative configurations allowing the base frame to rotate are also conceivable. Yet alternatively, it is also conceivable that the travelling base is provided with tracks or wheels, allowing the modular crane to travel.
The modular crane comprises a crane boom 91 comprises two elongated boom sections 91a and 91b, each of which is assembled from crane boom segments allowing the modular crane to be transportable. One end 91a′, 91b′of each boom section is hingedly connected about a substantially horizontal pivot axis 91A, to the travelling base frame 95. The other ends 91a″, 91b″ of the boom sections 91a, 91b merge towards each other near the top of the crane boom 91.
The modular crane further comprises a backmast 92 that is mounted pivotably to said base frame 95 about a horizontal pivot axis 92P. In the shown embodiment, the backmast 92 comprises two elongated backmast sections 92a and 92b, one end of each backmast section being hingedly connected about the pivotat axis 92P to the base frame 95. The other ends 92a″ and 92b″ of the backmast sections are connected to each other via a backmast connection section 92c.
The modular crane 90 further comprises ballast 93, here embodied as containers 93a connected via a lattice structure 93b to the upper ends 92a″, 92b″ of the backmast 92.
Furthermore, a main hoisting device 94 is provided, comprising a main hoisting winch 94a, a main hoist wire 94b that is guided over the crane boom via sheaves 94c and a hook 94d, connected to the main hoist wire 94b. Also a luffing device 96 is provided, comprising a luffing winch 96a and a luffing cable 96b, extending between the luffing winch 96a, the backmast 92, in particular sheaves 96c provided at the upper ends of the backmast sections 92a, 92b″, and the crane boom 91.
The base frame as shown comprises two parallel main girders 95b to which the crane boom segments 91a, 91b and the backmast sections 92a, 92b are connected, and one or more cross-girders 95c provided therebetween. The girders 95b, 95c are assembled from girder segments. According to a preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, one of the cross-girders 95c comprises two hoist winches 94a, mounted within hoist winch frames 94f, visible in
The hoist winch frame into which a main hoisting winch 94a is mounted is embodied as a shipping container comprising connectors 94g at the corners thereof according to the fourth aspect of the invention. In
In the shown embodiment, also the luffing winch 96a is mounted within a luffing winch frame 96f, embodied as a shipping container comprising connectors 96g at the corners thereof. In the shown embodiment, the luffing winch frame 96f is connected to the main girders 95b of the base frame. Preferably, the luffing winch frame 96f also forms part of the base frame, being included into the main girders 95b of the base frame.
An example of such a hoist winch frame 100 comprising a main hoist winch 105 is shown in detail in
In
It is noted that due to the significant weight of a main hoist winch, which may be up to 28 tons including the hoist wire, the dimensions of a hoist winch frame may be smaller than other shipping containers. In particular, to be able to connect the hoist winch frame and integrate it into the base frame, the hoist winch frame preferably a cross-sectional dimension H*W that allows the connection to girder segments. On the other hand, the length L of the container 100 may be kept relatively small.
It is conceivable that a hoist winch frame, or multiple hoist winch frames connected to each other in series, together form a girder. Alternatively, the hoist winch frame(s) is/are connected to girder segments to form a girder.
Roodenburg, Joop, Schouten, Gijsbert
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| Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
| Nov 08 2013 | Itrec B.V. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
| May 10 2016 | ROODENBURG, JOOP | ITREC B V | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 039088 | /0327 | |
| May 10 2016 | SCHOUTEN, GIJSBERT | ITREC B V | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 039088 | /0327 |
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